Sponsor's update letter from Kenya
05/02/2008
Nairobi, 28th January 2008
Dear Sponsor,
RE: SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER
Happy New Year! Greetings from the Children, Mothers and Co-workers of SOS Children’s Villages, Kenya.
We would like to update you on the events that have taken place during the post election period in our country especially with regard to our facilities situated in Eldoret, Meru, Mombasa and Nairobi.
Eldoret
Safety measures in the SOS Children’s Village Eldoret had to be taken as a result of the violence that erupted. The village director was part of the area security committee who worked tirelessly to ensure that the village and the community around were safe. Staff members who had fled from the clash torn areas took refuge at the village but have since returned to their homes once it was deemed safe. All is calm now in Eldoret and public life has continued to improve. The youth volunteered their services at the refugee camp and were happy to be part of the team that made a difference in the lives of persons affected. A weblog which will be linked to www.sos-ea.org has been created, mainly for information about activities taking place in Eldoret.
Meru
The situation in SOS Children’s Village Meru and the surrounding area was peaceful and people went on with their day to day work. Businesses in town opened as usual and so did the market.
Mombasa
The village in Mombasa is equally safe with no violence reported around the area, despite chaos having erupted in town. Security companies around the village and its vicinity stayed vigilant and were constantly in touch with the village director. Eight of the independent youth with their families were sheltered at the village; they returned to their homes after the situation normalised.
Nairobi
The village in Nairobi did not experience any incidence of violence and looting, though this happened in the neighbouring communities. The village played good neighbours and accommodated relatives of the affected co-workers for a short period of time. The Social and Medical Centre, (commonly known as the Family Care Centre) programme beneficiaries were also affected. They are receiving food, psycho-social support and medical treatment to help them through the process of recovery.
SOS Children’s Village Co-workers
Members of staff in SOS Children’s Villages Kenya were not harmed, though a few were affected, but their families have resettled; thanks go to the National Director who kept in touch with the staff and gave them all the support they needed. He was well informed on security matters and kept all co-workers informed. Co-workers were able to consult him whenever the need arose. Staff members have all reported back to work. Meanwhile, group therapy for all staff is continuing to help them overcome the trauma of the violence and upheaval that is rocking Kenya.
SOS Primary and Secondary Schools
Schools in Kenya opened in the third week of January, a week later than planned, though public universities are yet to open. The four SOS Nursery Schools, the three SOS Primary and Secondary schools and the Vocational Training Centre opened as well. Security is being provided and counselling is going on for the children who have been traumatised because of the changes in the environment.
Challenges
Kenya faced several challenges such as an increase in the cost of essentials items e.g. fuel, food and transport rising by approximately 300% due to difficulties of transportation. During that time, a cabbage cost Kshs.300.00 up from Kshs.30 but is now Kshs.70.00. The ATMs (automated teller machines) at the banks and the fuel stations ran out of money and petrol respectively. Goods were looted from various businesses but were sometimes returned by the looters. Despite all this most things are back to normal.
Donations
In all the four children’s villages the mothers, children and co-workers unanimously agreed to support the victims of the violence by giving up a meal a day for fourteen days and using the funds realised to purchase sanitary items urgently required by affected mothers and children.
Emergency Relief Programme
The SOS Children's Villages in Nairobi, Eldoret and Mombasa, through a partnership with the Department of Children’s Services, is providing family care for 54 children. These are unaccompanied children who may be orphaned, abandoned or separated from their relatives. These children are now staying at the SOS Children’s Village Nairobi affording them protection, shelter, psycho-social support and medical treatment. The children will be accommodated until they are reunited with their families/guardians. They may, however, stay longer if it is not possible to reunite them and a long term solution will be sought. At the time of writing six children have been reunited with their families.
We at SOS Children Kenya are optimistic that despite the upheaval all will be well especially as our country has a proud history of securing peace for its volatile neighbours.
Yours faithfully,
Gladys Mumbi,
Sponsorship Coordinator
Relevant Countries: Kenya.